Monica Barbaro calls rumored boyfriend Andrew Garfield ‘one of the best actors’ in rare praise

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Monica Barbaro has rarely spoken about her rumored relationship with Andrew Garfield, but she recently shared her admiration for the actor and praised his talent.

During an interview with InStyle, the actress opened up about working with Garfield in their upcoming movie 'Artificial'. While promoting her new romantic comedy 'One Night Only', Barbaro highlighted Garfield's acting skills and revealed how his approach to the craft inspired her.

Monica Barbaro praises Andrew Garfield's acting skills

The 36-year-old actress praised her co-star during an interview on August 5. “I mean, he’s one of the best actors of his generation, our generation,” Barbaro said. “I just learned a lot from his approach to the material and to developing character, and I felt very fortunate to get to witness that in real time."

She added that working with Garfield made her feel the need to push her acting limits and prove herself as a performer. “I really have to step up my game and make sure I’m a proper, legitimate scene partner,” she said.

Barbaro also opened up about her views on love and relationships while discussing her personal journey. “I feel like if you’re hard-up avoidant about love, it’s because, deep-down, you’re actually super romantic and you’re just afraid of getting hurt,” she said.

Calling herself a romantic, the actress shared that she is “kind of a workaholic” and said she is proud of it. However, she also reflected on how focusing heavily on independence can affect personal relationships.

“You can get to a point in your life where you wake up and you look around, and you’re sort of like, Oh, have I been self-protecting by (adopting) so much autonomy and independence?” shared the Oscar-nominated actress.

“I’m definitely shifting some of that perspective now,” she added.

Inside Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro's rumored relationship

Garfield and Barbaro became the subject of romance rumors on February 21, 2025. According to People, the two had reportedly been dating for two years and were spending time together privately.

The publication shared, “they’ve been really low-key and have been spending time together quietly.”

Neither Garfield nor Barbaro has publicly commented on the relationship rumors. In October 2024, Garfield told Esquire that he prefers to keep his personal life private.

“I have never, and I won’t ever, speak about or confirm or deny anything about my personal life with anyone, ever,” he said.